Disclosed is a wearable electronic device including a processing device, memory that stores organization data, a wireless receiver that receives organization data, and a display that displays organization information to a user, wherein the electronic device is substantially card-shaped.
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34. A method for providing organization information, comprising:
wirelessly receiving, using a wearable badge, organization data transmitted from a computing device and stored in relation to a first organizer application resident on the computing device;
updating organization data stored in relation to a second organizer application resident on the wearable badge such that the second organizer application is synchronized with the first organizer application using the received organization data; and
displaying updated organization information in a display of the wearable badge.
26. A method for providing organization information, comprising:
receiving and storing organization information with a first organizer application resident on a user computer; and
facilitating wireless transmission of organization data from the computer to a wearable badge adapted to receive, store, and display the organization data so as to synchronize a second organizer application resident on the wearable badge with the first organizer application resident on the user computer such that the first and second organizer applications comprise the same contacts and scheduling data.
1. A wearable electronic device for wearing by a user, the electronic device comprising:
a wireless receiver that receives from the user's computer organization data comprising at least one of contacts data and schedule data stored in association with a first organizer program resident on the computer;
a processing device;
memory that stores the received organization data in association with a second organizer program, the second organizer program being configured to update previously stored data with the organization data received from the computer so as to synchronize the second organizer program with the first organizer program; and
a display that displays organization information to the user;
wherein the electronic device is substantially card-shaped.
19. A system for providing organization information, comprising:
a first organizer application configured for storage and execution on a user computing device, the first organizer application further configured to initiate wireless transmission of organization data; and
a wearable badge including a processing device, a wireless receiver configured to wirelessly receive organization data transmitted from the user computing device, non-volatile memory configured to store received organization data in association with a second organizer program, the second organizer program being configured to update previously stored data with organization data received from the user computing device so as to synchronize the second organizer program with the first organizer program, and a display configured to display organization information that pertains to the stored organization data, wherein the badge is substantially card-shaped.
11. A wearable badge for wearing by a user, the badge comprising:
a wireless receiver that is configured to wirelessly receive from the user's computer organization data comprising at least one of contacts data and schedule data stored in association with a first organizer program resident on the computer;
a processing device;
non-volatile memory that is configured to store the organization data in association with a second organizer program, the second organizer program being configured to update previously stored data with the organization data received from the computer so as to synchronize the second organizer program with the first organizer program;
a liquid crystal display (LCD) provided on a front surface of the badge that is configured to display organization information associated with the organization data stored within the non-volatile memory; and
a user interface including at least one button provided on the front surface of the badge, the at least one button being configured to facilitate navigation of the organization information displayed in the LCD;
wherein the wearable badge has dimensions similar to those of a credit card.
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Many organizer devices are now available on the market. For example, many personal digital assistants (PDAs) are available which can be used to store contacts data, calendar data, and the like. Several of these devices are configured to synchronize with a user computing device such as a personal computer (PC) so that data can be shared between the computing device and the organizer device. This way, information that is entered into either device can likewise be provided to the other.
Although organizer devices such as PDAs provide a relatively convenient way for accessing contact information and for keeping track of appointments, such devices are only useful if the user remembers to carry the device with him or her. For instance, if an alarm is set to activate to remind the user as to a meeting in which the user is to participate, sounding of the alarm is useless if the device is not within the vicinity of the user.
Even when the user remembers to bring the organizer device along with him or her, for example to meetings or other appointments, the user normally must carry the organizer device along with any other devices (e.g., mobile telephone, beeper, etc.) or other objects (e.g., books, papers, etc.) that the user needs. Even though most organizer devices are small compared to desktop and laptop computers, having to carry an organizer device is nevertheless inconvenient.
In view of the above, it can be appreciated that it would be desirable to have a device that provides organizer functionality but that the user is less likely to leave behind and that is convenient to carry.
Disclosed is a wearable electronic device including a processing device, memory that stores organization data, a wireless receiver that receives organization data, and a display that displays organization information to a user, wherein the electronic device is substantially card-shaped.
The disclosed identification badge can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale.
As noted above, it can be difficult to remember to bring an organizer device with an individual as he/she moves from place to place. Furthermore, it can be inconvenient to have to carry the organizer device even when one remembers to take the device along. Accordingly, needed is a device that can provide the functionality of an organizer device, but which is less likely to be left behind and more convenient to carry. As is described in greater detail below, such functionality can be integrated with an identification badge that is worn by a user in an office or other setting so that the organizer functionality is always available to the user and the need to physically carry a device is obviated. Such an identification badge can, optionally, be configured as a data review device. When configured in this manner, data can be provided to the identification badge through wireless synchronization with another device so that the organization data can be automatically downloaded to the badge and therefore taken along with the user.
As is illustrated in the following figures, disclosed are example systems, apparatus, and methods. Although specific embodiments are shown and described herein, these embodiments are provided by way of example only for purposes of describing the manners in which a user can be provided with organization information.
Referring now in more detail to the drawings, in which like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views,
The identification badge 104 comprises a relatively small, wearable, substantially card-shaped electrical device that, by way of example, has dimensions similar to a credit card. With this configuration, the identification badge 104 may be attached to one's clothing (or worn around the neck on an appropriate necklace) as with conventional identification badges. Example embodiments of the identification badge 104 are discussed in detail in the following.
As is further indicated in
The user interface devices 204 comprise those components typically used with personal computing devices, such as a keyboard and a mouse. The display similarly comprises component typically used with a personal computing devices and therefore may comprise a cathode ray tube (CRT) or liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor. The transmitter 208 comprises a device that is capable of wirelessly transmitting data to another device, such as the identification badge 104. This transmitter 208 can therefore comprise an IR transmitter or an RF transmitter. In some embodiments, the transmitter 208 can further receive data so as to comprise a transceiver.
Although capable of storing other programs, the memory 202 typically at least includes an operating system 212 and an organizer application 214. The operating system 212 controls the execution of other programs and provides scheduling, input-output control, file and data management, memory management, and communication control and related services. The organizer application 214 comprises a program with which organization information such as contact information, calendar (i.e., appointment) information, task lists, and the like may be stored. As indicated in
The processing device 300 can; include any general-purpose processor, a microprocessor, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), a plurality of suitably configured digital logic gates, and other well known electrical configurations comprised of discrete elements both individually and in various combinations to coordinate the overall operation of the identification badge 102. In a typical arrangement, the processing device 300 is packaged in an integrated circuit (IC) chip (see, e.g.,
The user interface 304 comprises components with which the user interacts with and controls the organizer functionality of the identification badge 104. By way of example, the interface 304 simply comprises buttons or keys with which the user can navigate one or more menus that contain or are associated with stored data. These data may be viewed with the display 306, which typically comprises an LCD screen. An example badge embodiment showing buttons and an LCD screen is illustrated in
As is further identified in
The identification badge 104 may further include one or more reminder devices 310 that are used to notify the user of a scheduled appointment or other event. The reminder device(s) can be configured to generate visual, audible, and/or vibratory alarms that can be set to activate at a desired time. In the case of a visual alarm, a light emitting diode (LED) can be activated to flash to signal the user. In the case of an audible alarm, an appropriate sound emitter (e.g., speaker) can be used. In the case of a vibratory alarm, a resonator may be used.
The memory 302 comprises various programs (in software and/or firmware) including a rudimentary operating system 314 that controls badge operation, and a badge organizer application 316 that is used to organize data received from the user computing device 102 or, optionally, entered by the user. The badge organizer application 316 is therefore configured to store contacts data in a contacts database 318, as well as store calendar data in a calendar database 320. With this information being stored in the identification badge 104, the user can use the badge to both look up contact information, review his or her schedule, receive reminders as to scheduled appointments, etc. Accordingly, the identification badge 104 can be used in similar manner as a PDA, but its functionality is wrapped in a package that is small enough to be integrated within the user's identification badge which, in many cases, is required to carried on the user's person while at the user's work site.
Various programs have been described herein. It is to be understood that these programs can be stored on any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with any computer-related system or method. In the context of this document, a computer-readable medium is an electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical device or means that can contain or store a computer program for use by or in connection with a computer-related system or method. The disclosed programs can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. In the context of this document, a “computer-readable medium” can be any means that can store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.
The computer-readable medium can be, for example but hot limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. More specific examples (a nonexhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM, EEPROM, or Flash memory), an optical fiber, and a portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM). Note that the computer-readable medium can even be paper or another suitable medium upon which a program is printed, as the program can be electronically captured, via for instance optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted or otherwise processed in a suitable manner if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.
The identification badge 104 typically includes a display which could be, for example, an LCD screen 406 and one or more keys or buttons 408. The LCD screen 406 is adapted to display information such as, for example, contacts and/or calendar data to the user. The screen 406 can, for instance, comprise a data light processing LCD screen manufactured using micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. The buttons 408 include, for example, a mode button 410, and up and down arrow buttons 412 and 414. The mode button 410 permits the user to select an operating mode of the identification badge 104. For instance, depression of the mode button 410 may switch information displayed in the LCD screen 406 from calendar information to contacts information or vice versa. In addition, the mode button 410 can be used to cancel any reminders (e.g., alarms) that are triggered upon the arrival of a scheduled time.
Once the desired mode of the identification badge 104 has been located using the mode button 410, the up and down arrow buttons 412 and 414 can be used to navigate through the information contained within the selected mode. For instance, if the contacts mode is selected, the up and down arrow buttons 412 and 414 may be used to scroll through an alphabetical list of stored contact information to locate a telephone number or address of a particular contact. Although specific buttons have been identified, it will be appreciated that additional and/or other buttons can be provided depending upon the desired functionality and device complexity/simplicity.
With reference to
As is also indicated in
The non-volatile memory devices used within the IC chip 502 can take many different forms. For instance, Flash memory devices may be implemented. Due to space and power limitations, however, preferred are MRAM and ARS memory devices, both of which provide high density storage with relatively small power consumption.
In use, writing is accomplished by passing current, i, through the conductor bars 604, 606 to create magnetic fields Hx and Hy. These magnetic fields produce resultant vector addition magnetic forces, M, at the crossover points 612 that are sufficient to selectively cause the magnetic orientation of the sense layers 704 to either coincide with the magnetic direction of the pinned magnetic layer 700 or to oppose it. Detection of the written state of the sense layer's magnetism can then be accomplished by determining the differential resistance in the tunneling magneto-resistive junction between the two conductor bars 604, 606 through the sense layer 704, the dielectric layer 702, and the pinned layer 700 depending upon the pinned layer's magnetic orientation.
The electron emitters 808 are configured to emit electron beam currents toward the storage areas of the storage medium 810 when a predetermined potential difference is applied to the electron emitters. Depending upon the distance between the emitters 808 and the storage medium 810, the type of emitters, and the spot size (i.e., bit size) required, electron optics may be useful in focusing the electron beams. Voltage is also applied to the storage medium 810 to either accelerate or decelerate the emitted electrons and/or to aid in focusing the emitted electrons.
Each electron emitter 808 can serve many different storage areas to write data to and read data from the storage medium 810. To facilitate alignment between each electron emitter 808 and an associated storage area, the electron emitters and storage medium 810 can be moved relative to each other in the X and Y directions noted in
The electron emitters 808 are responsible for reading and writing information on the storage areas of the storage medium with the electron beams they produce. Therefore, the electron emitters 808 preferably produce electron beams that are narrow enough to achieve the desired bit density for the storage medium 810, and that provide the different power densities needed for reading from and writing to the medium.
As indicated in
The electron emitters 808 are contained within a two-dimensional array comprising a plurality of emitters. As discussed above, each emitter 808 typically is used to access a plurality of storage areas of the storage medium 810.
Writing with the memory device 800 is accomplished by temporarily increasing the power density of an electron beam produced by an electron emitter 808 to modify the surface state of a storage area 800 of the storage medium 810. For instance, the modified state can represent a “1” bit, while the unmodified state can represent a “0” bit. Moreover, the storage areas can be modified to different degrees to represent more than two bits, if desired. In one embodiment, the storage medium 810 is constructed of a material whose-structural state can be changed from crystalline to amorphous by electron beams. An example material is germanium telluride (GeTe) and ternary alloys based on GeTe. To change from the amorphous to the crystalline state, the beam power density can be increased and then slowly decreased. This increase/decrease heats the amorphous area and then slowly cools it so that the area has time to anneal into its crystalline state. To change from the crystalline to amorphous state, the beam power density is increased to a high level and then rapidly reduced.
Reading is accomplished by observing the effect of the electron beam on the storage area 1000, or the effect of the storage area on the electron beam. During reading, the power density of the electron beam is kept low enough so that no further writing occurs. In a first reading approach, reading is accomplished by collecting the secondary and/or backscattered electrons when an electron beam with a relatively low (i.e., lower than that needed to write) power density is applied to the storage medium 810. In that the amorphous state has a different secondary electron emission coefficient (SEEC) and backscattered electron coefficient (BEC) than the crystalline state, a different number of secondary and backscattered electrons are emitted from a storage area 1000 when bombarded with a read electron beam. By measuring the number of secondary and backscattered electrons, the state of the storage area 1000 can be determined. Example apparatus for reading and writing are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,557,596, which is hereby incorporated by reference into the present disclosure.
An example identification badge 104 having been described in detail above, examples of use and operation of the badge will now be discussed. In the discussions that follow, flow diagrams are provided. Any process steps or blocks in these flow diagrams may represent modules, segments, or portions of code that include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process. Although particular example steps are described, alternative implementations are feasible. Moreover, steps may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved.
At some point, organization data is transmitted (upon the initiation by the organizer application 214) to the identification badge 104, as indicated in block 1102. Initiation of the transmission can occur in response to satisfaction of a given condition. For example, in one embodiment, transmission can be initiated when a “synchronize” command is input by the user into the user compute device 102. In this scenario, synchronization of the identification badge 104 and the organizer application is manually initiated. Synchronization is facilitated in these cases due to the proximity of the identification badge 104, which is presumably being worn by the user, and the user computing device 102. As noted above, transmission may be via IR or RF communications. Of these two methods, RF is preferable from the standpoint that line-of-sight alignment of the identification badge 104 and the user computing device 102 is not necessary. By way of example, RF communications may be supported using any of wireless application protocol (WAP), ultrawideband (UWB) protocol, 802.11 protocol from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), or Bluetooth™ protocol from Bluetooth SIG™.
In another embodiment, the condition precedent for initiating data transmission comprises entry of new organization information into the organizer application 214 by the user or modification of existing organization information. In this case, synchronization of the identification badge 104 and the organizer application 214 is automatically initiated, thereby eliminating any manual intervention. As with the previous scenario, synchronization is facilitated in this case by the proximity of the user and, therefore, the badge 104 worn by the user.
In yet a further embodiment, data transmission may occur on a periodic basis. In such a case, the organizer application may transmit organization data every minute or so to the identification badge 104 to ensure that the data stored therein is up to date. Such periodic transmissions may only occur when proximity of the identification badge 104 is detected. Such detection can be achieved by sending a request for a reply (i.e., ping) to the identification badge 104 and only transmitting data when a reply is received from the badge, thereby signaling its proximity. In such a case, the badge 104 requires a component with which information can be transmitted back to the user computing device 102, such as a transceiver. Detection can, alternatively, be achieved by transmitting a signal to the identification badge 104 and detecting actuation of a passive component contained therein that is affected by the transmitted signal. Depending upon the RF protocol used, close proximity between the user and the user computing device 102 may not be necessary. For instance, in the case of 802.11 protocol, transmission may be received at distances up to, for example, 100 feet. Moreover, where multiple transmitters are used, each in communication with the organizer application 214 (e.g., through a wired connection) and positioned at various different locations within a given environment (e.g., the workplace), synchronization can be obtained even when the user is not near the user computing device 102, assuming such a transmitter is close enough to transmit data to the badge 104.
The organization data transmitted to the identification badge 104 may be limited due to the time that may be required to transmit all organization data stored by the organizer application 214 and/or the storage limitations of the identification badge. By way of example, the organizer application may be configured (e.g., via a user selectable mode) to only transmit new organization data, for instance that which was added in that calendar day. Alternatively, the organizer application 214 may be configured to only provide calendar data pertinent to that calendar day, e.g., the user's schedule for that day. It will be appreciated that many other arrangements are possible.
Once the data has been transmitted, flow may return to block 1100 and new organization information can be received, and further organization data transmitted to the identification badge 104.
Next, as indicated in block 1204, the badge organizer application 316 can provide organization information to the user. The provision of this information can occur in a variety of different ways. For example, information may be provided in response to the user manipulating the buttons 408 provided on the identification badge 104. In this manner, the user can access any information stored by the identification badge 104 such as phone numbers, addresses, scheduled events, meetings, appointments, etc. In another situation, information may be provided as a reminder (e.g., alarm) that notifies the user as to the occurrence of some scheduled event. Such a reminder may be visual, audible, and/or vibratory in nature.
As is further indicated in
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